Visiting director shares love for theater

by Melissa Lau
Features Editor

Every year, director Georgij Paro visits the University of La Verne to direct a play. This year is no different, for he has been present at the rigorous rehearsals for "Pericles" since the beginning.

Paro, who was also the theater director and manager of the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, is an adjunct professor at ULV.

Originally studying philosophy, Paro decided to get his master of fine arts in theater. He then auditioned for a theater program, into which he was accepted.

Paro's interest in theater stemmed from its approach to life.

He believes that it is personal, beautiful and open because the material used is the people.

From 1986 until 1992, he worked as a full professor at the same place he received his M.F.A.

Since 1992, he has been the theater manager of the Croatian National Theater.

Paro has been to and from the United States since 1967. After visiting a few times, he decided to do one of the things he loves the most: teaching.

Paro began teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Through his friendship with David Flaten, theater department chair, he was introduced to the ULV and fell in love.

He enjoys the small class sizes, the students and the professors.

"They [professors] devote all their time here, all their time to the students," Paro said.

He feels the small class sizes allow the professors to get to know students, as well as counsel them and help them with their careers.

Paro feels the theater brings a challenge, and he enjoys that. However, it has experienced rough times.

During the war in Croatia, Paro said theater suffered.

"It was a very difficult and tough time for theater to exist," Paro said.

He recalled one moment that remains vivid in his memory. On May 4, 1995, the theater in Zagreb was bombed during a ballet rehearsal.

Seventeen dancers were injured, fortunately none of them died.

Another challenge theater brings is competition.

"There are many ups and downs, but that's part of the game," Paro said.

He has also written four books: "From My Experience" (1981), "Made in U.S.A." (1990), "Theatralia Disjecta" (1995) and "Conversation with Stjepan Mileti' (1999). These books are based on his experiences and his personal journey through theater and life, which he believes are blended together.

Flaten has encouraged Paro to bring these books to the United States.

In honor of his achievements, Paro has received numerous awards including the Town of Zagreb Award (1950), the Croatian Actors Association Grand Prix for best director (1993 and 1995) and the Mittelfest Award (1991).